Yorktown Town Board Meeting - June 17, 2025

The Yorktown Town Board met on June 17, 2025, at 12:30 PM for its regular meeting. The agenda covered proclamations, a police presentation, public comment, discussion of budget errors, a tree removal and sewer extension permit, and adoption of multiple resolutions. Board members present: Supervisor Ed Lakeman, Councilwoman Diana Quas, Councilwoman Luana Howard, Deputy Supervisor Sergio Esposito, Councilman Patrick Murphy, Councilwoman Susan Siegel, and Town Attorney Adam Rodriguez.

Proclamations

• Juneteenth Proclamation: The board proclaimed June 19 as Juneteenth in Yorktown, recognizing the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas in 1865. Supervisor Lakeman and others reflected on the long struggle for civil rights.
• Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber Foundation Scholarship: Eleanor Brown, a Yorktown resident and Kennedy Catholic graduate, was recognized for receiving the scholarship. She will attend the University of Notre Dame.

Police Chief Presentation

• Incident at Staples Plaza (June 15): Police Chief Robert Noble reported on an attempted murder that occurred around 11:30 AM. A suspect placed a knife to a victim's neck; the victim escaped with minor injuries. Officer Tim Curtin responded, de-escalated the situation, and gained compliance without using deadly force. Chief Noble praised Officer Curtin’s training and professionalism. He also urged residents to lock their cars, citing a recent vehicle theft chase involving a stolen car from Connecticut. National Night Out is scheduled for August 5.

Board Member Reports

• Susan Siegel: Discussed sewer extension updates, including need for DEC approval for Hallex Mills extension. Announced a hearing on July 1 for Lake Osceola district expansion. Raised concerns about the floor area ratio (FAR) for the Navajo Fields project, requesting a board discussion in July. Also noted two sewer-related resolutions for bonding.
• Supervisor Lakeman: Defended the FAR as already settled by law. Congratulated Timmy Vespucci on Eagle Scout award. Library closures announced for June 18-21.
• Deputy Supervisor Esposito: Announced a pitch, hit, and run competition and the opening of Freedom Chapel at Jefferson on the Lake.
• Councilwoman Howard: Encouraged use of the town website survey, summer reading, pool lifeguard and camp counselor recruitment.

Public Comments & Testimony

• J. Copstein: Thanked board members for prompt responses to his inquiries.
• Larry Killey: Criticized the board for using the March 2024 assessed value instead of the September 2024 value in the 2025 adopted budget, as required by Westchester County law (Section 283.171). He noted a $1.1 million reduction in assessed value for a commercial property (J-V Moore) was ignored, resulting in a tax rate of 6.6 instead of 7.4. He demanded acknowledgment of the error.
• Howard Gould: Asked Councilwoman Siegel to clarify whether tenants have a right to speak on sewer taxes and why she did not answer Deputy Supervisor Esposito’s question about a supposed private meeting.
• Ilon Gilbert: Supported the Juneteenth proclamation, emphasized ongoing need for civil rights vigilance.
• Michael Hickens: Supported the proclamation, noted recent anti-Semitic graffiti in Yorktown and nationwide ICE actions, and referenced peaceful protests.
• Jenny Sunshine (on the Balon property public hearing): Opposed removal of 33 regulated trees, citing cumulative impact on town canopy, climate, wildlife, and flooding. Urged a moratorium on tree cutting and stronger buffers.
• Ilon Gilbert (on Balon property): Questioned the sewer line extension potentially opening the area to additional flag lots.
• Nicole Johns (neighbor): Asked how a lot previously deemed non-buildable (due to lack of septic) becomes buildable via a sewer line. Requested clear legal documentation linking the sewer to buildability.

Discussion Items

• Budget Error: Supervisor Lakeman acknowledged the error, attributing it to an unprecedented large assessment reduction due to a Texas bankruptcy court ruling. He stated the levy itself was unchanged but the assessed value used was outdated. He directed the town attorney to review whether the county law can be amended. Councilwoman Siegel insisted the law requires use of the September 15th value and that past practice does not override it.
• Public Hearing – 2258/2285 Sawmill River Road (Balon Property): Applicant Joe Safrina (site design consultant) presented plans for a new residence on a flag lot created by deed in 1962. A sewer line would be extended from the south, providing connections for two existing homes and potential for nine more. To build, 33 regulated trees must be removed; 18 would be replanted on site. The applicant argued the sewer line itself mitigates environmental impact by removing septic systems. The conservation board and tree commission had no objection. Councilwoman Siegel strongly objected, stating that using a sewer as tree mitigation “makes a mockery” of the tree law and sets a bad precedent. She indicated she might abstain. Supervisor Lakeman and others noted that the tree code allows various mitigations and that the conservation board’s approval should be respected. The hearing was closed, but the board deferred a vote to correct a discrepancy in the application address (2258 vs. 2285) and to obtain a legal opinion on the lot's buildability.
• Sewer District Bonding: Engineer Dan Duncan presented a resolution authorizing a bond for improvements to Hallex Mills and Osceola sewer districts. Total project cost estimated at $7.2 million: $5.8 million from a state grant, the remaining 20% ($1.4 million) to be paid by district taxpayers. Duncan explained that the scope was re-engineered to salvage existing structures, saving money and allowing inclusion of Farm Walk station. Councilwoman Siegel requested detailed cost estimates and timeline. Duncan expected bids for Farm Walk in fall 2025, other stations in winter 2025 with spring construction.
• Personal Exchange: Councilwoman Siegel and Supervisor Lakeman had a prolonged debate about a prior accusation of a secret meeting. Siegel defended that she was present when the topic was discussed in closed session; Lakeman accused her of mischaracterizing the meeting. The exchange ended without resolution.

Key Outcomes

• Resolutions Adopted (all by voice vote):
  • Accepted retirement of Police Lieutenant Samuel Sanson effective June 20, 2025.
  • Reappointed Gary Link as Town Assessor for six years (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2031).
  • Appointed Jonathan Pratt as member and Kim Adams Penner as alternate to the Board of Assessment Review (terms ending September 30, 2028).
  • Authorized town clerk to schedule a public hearing on local law amending zoning for microbreweries and micro-distilleries.
  • Acknowledged filing of audited financial statements for 2024.
  • Authorized payment of unused time to resigning employee Michael Stagel.
  • Approved a three-year service agreement with ADP Inc. for payroll software.
  • Authorized bond for Hallex Mills and Osceola sewer district improvements.
  • Approved budget transfers and bond releases for various highway and erosion control bonds.
  • Awarded bid for Mohegan Lake bathroom rehabilitation to AM Restoration Inc. ($65,000, funded by Mohegan Lake Improvement District).
  • Authorized a contract with Beardsley Design for adaptive reuse planning of the Field Home.
  • Advertised bid for town vehicle repair services.
• Next Steps:
  • Town attorney to research legality of using March vs. September assessed value.
  • Balon property application to be corrected (address) and legal opinion on buildability to be obtained before final vote.
  • Sewer district public hearing to be set; Engineer Duncan to provide detailed cost breakdown and timeline.
  • The board will discuss FAR at a July meeting.